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 January 7, 2009

SEE YOU ON THE SLOPES!

 

AnALL CHURCH SKI DAY is planned for this coming Saturday, January 10th at Showdown.  We will meet at the church at 7:30 A.M. to carpool and caravan our way to the mountain.  This is sure to be a fun time and a way to break out of the winter blues.  Group discounts apply for lift tickets, rentals, and lessons for a group of 20 or more people so the more the merrier (and cheaper).  For pricing and to get your name "on the list" please call ski day coordinator Stacy Hopkins at 453-9161.

 

 

TOP TEN REASONS TO CHECK OUT THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

2) It's about relationships.  It's not about commandments.  It's about relationships, even with God.  The most important relationship is our relationship with God.  Second most important are our relationships with the rest of the human family.  In balance, these relationships produce justice amid injustice, kindness in the face of meanness, and the humility of self acceptance that comes as we sense the presence of a God who knows our inmost thoughts and loves us unconditionally-just as we are.  Spiritual journeys can be like the exercise equipment we buy and leave under the bed.  Without coaches and workout partners, most of us don't stick with it.  We're the "Journeys Wanted" people:  bring yours!

 

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP

You are invited to join us next Thursday, January 15th, for contemporary worship beginning at 5:45 P.M. in the sanctuary.  Enjoy a time of praise and thanksgiving as well as a meditation led by Rev. Jim Petersen.  Worship will be followed by a light supper at 6:30 P.M.

 

Junior Youth Group (grades 3-5) and Senior Youth Group (grades 6-12) will meet regularly beginning Wednesday,  January 14.  Junior Youth Groups meets at 6:00 P.M.  Senior Youth Group meets at 6:30 P.M.

The Still-Speaking God Moves Us To Act!

For several years, the United Church of Christ has used the theme "God Is Still Speaking" as a guide and rallying call to congregations throughout the denomination.  While keeping "God Is Still Speaking" in mind, your Church Council has developed a theme for our own congregation.  We would like to introduce "Celebrating God Through Action" as the new theme for First Congregational United Church of Christ.  The old saying claims, "actions speak louder than words" so God will speak through OUR actions!  Our boards will make suggestions for enacting our new theme.  Please take a moment to consider what YOU can do in our church, community, country, and world to CELEBRATE GOD THROUGH ACTION!

Sincerely,

Janet Koostra, Moderator

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS & ROOM PICK UP

     Children will begin in Worship before starting their next rotation "Messengers of the New Covenant" and will learn that, "As people of faith it is through the lens of the resurrection that we look at the Christmas story.  The birth of another baby in Bethlehem would not be a significant event except that we know because of the resurrection, that this child was the Son of God."

     *Pre-School will be in room 5 with Cathy Petersen.

     *Grades K-1 will be in room 3 for ?Faith Today' with Syneva Heupel. They will be learning about angels who announced the birth of Jesus and making paper angels.

     *Grades 2-3 are in room 2 for ?Bedouin Encampment' with Heather Lucero where they will meet one of the shepherds who heard the angels and making wool sheep.

     *Grades 4-5 will be in room 4 for ?Created by the Spirit' with Christeen Collins.  They will consider how all the different people in the Christmas story spread the news of Jesus' birth and then create a banner with symbols of these messengers on it.

     *Middle School is in room 7 for ?Where in the World' with Lisa Machuga.  These teens have a new task!  They will learn about the three magi, explore the astronomy of the Star of Bethlehem, make a rendition of the Christmas sky, AND prepare to teach this lesson (with Lisa's help) to the other children for the next three weeks!  They will also begin their "Pennies for Peace" project, challenging each grade group to bring the most pennies each Sunday (for ?sweet' prizes of course) and eventually challenging the congregation to compete against the Sunday School!  We are sure to hear more about this!!!

     If any of you would care to teach a Sunday School rotation in the future, this would be a great time to shadow teachers and learn how rewarding this experience can be!  Call Lisa Machuga at 453-2863 or Bonnie Warren at 453-4316.

    

 

 

WINTER ROUND OF DINNER GROUPS TO BEGIN

A great opportunity for both good conversation and savory cuisine!!! If you missed the opportunity in the fall, sign up now for winter groups by calling the church office or Barb Walters at 899-6376. Groups will be formed and dinners will begin at the end of the month.

 

                     PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

The First Congregational United Church of Christ Personnel Committee will meet on Sunday, January 11th at 10:45 A.M. in the conference room.  Part of the committee's responsibility is to meet with each employee and evaluate their job performance.  We would appreciate members of the congregation providing us any comments, both positive and negative, to assist us in accomplishing this task.  Members of the committee are:

                                                Aaron Rudio, Business Affairs Board

                                                Erica LaTray, Christian Education Board

                                                Lonnie Anderson, Joint Facilities Committee

                                                Jerry Butcher, Vice Moderator

                                                Susan Thomas, Worship Board

 

CALL TO THE 27TH GENERAL SYNOD

The 27th General Synod of the United Church of Christ will convene on June 26, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and will adjourn on the evening of June 30.  With the Grand River flowing beside the DeVos Convention Center, the theme for this year's Synod will be "Immerse Yourself!"  We will be reminded of the waters of baptism that signify the grace of God and welcomed each of us into the community of Christ's people.  We will consider the important significance of water for life on this planet, and our responsibility to care for and share the water that covers our earth in a time of accelerating climate change and environmental crisis.  We will reflect on how our Church will immerse itself in the mission of God for justice and peace.  There will be a day set aside for inspiring speakers, for learning, sharing, worship, and celebration, along with the normal business of the General Synod.  Look for announcements of speakers on the website at www.ucc.org.  We expect another large delegation of youth from across the Church.  Guest registration opened in December via the website. Go to www.ucc.org for registration instructions.

 

          CAMP MIMANAGISH 2009 SCHEDULE!!!

May 16-17                    Camp Opening

                                May 22-25                   Family Camp

                                June 5-7                       Young Adults Camp

                                June 14-20                   5/6 Grade Camp

                                June 30                        Seasoned Adults

                                July 7-11                      3/4 Grade Camp

                                July 12-18                    7/8/9 Grade Camp

                                July 19-25                    10/11/12 Grade Camp

                                July 26-28                    Grandparents & Me

                                July 31- Aug. 3             Women's Retreat

                                August 7-9                   Men's Retreat

                               October 2-3                 Camp Closing

 For more information, camping fees, and registration please visit: www.campmimanagish.org

 

 

 

NAMETAG WINNER!  Marnie Bermingham

was the winner simply for wearing her nametag on December 21st.  She chose two drinks at Starbucks.  You could be next!

 

 

HEADED TO THE BIG HOUSE

Carol Shipley is heading to Cleveland, OH to our Church House for the UCC National Nominating Committee meeting this Friday through Sunday.  Carol serves as chair of that Committee.  We wish her safe travels.

CHRISTMAS OFFERING TOTALS

Christmas may be behind, us however, your generosity shared this Christmas season will benefit many for months to come.  The Christmas Fund Offering (Veterans of the Cross), which supports low-income retirees and provides emergency assistance to families of clergy and lay employees, totaled $740.00!  The Christmas Offering, supporting The Salvation Army; Mercy Home; Children's Receiving Home; and Intermountain Children's Home in Helena, brought in $1,984.57!  Thank you to all who so generously gave.

 

 


UPCOMING MEETINGS

Sunday, January 11-

     10:45 A.M.  Greening Committee, parlor

     10:45 A.M.  Personnel Committee, conference room

Monday, January 12-

       6:30 P.M.   Business Affairs Board, parlor

Tuesday, January 13-

       7:00 P.M.   Joint Coordinating, parlor